Red Dot: Contact. Will the gravest threat come from closer to home than we expect? by Eugene Linn Page A
Authors: Eugene Linn
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kind of enemy. Some military thinkers pointed out that instead of facing masses of troops, tanks, and warplanes across defined borders, the potential foe was a craft not much bigger than a jumbo airliner, that possessed technology far more advanced than Earth’s, and unknown intentions. Trying to adapt to the unique situation, the Douthart administration arranged for smaller units, including local emergency responders, to be ready to react immediately to a threat. It also more actively engaged scientific resources, such as NASA and the National Center for Disease Control (in case of a biological attack).
“This is foolish!” said Fitzgerald, his voice rising. “The fact that the ETs haven’t hurt anyone yet means nothing. Are we going to wait until they’ve killed or enslaved the American people before we allow the greatest military the world has ever seen to defend us?”
Everyone at the table realized he had just recited almost word-for-word a talking point used by the President’s opponents.
“Fact is,” said Duggard, staring into Fitzgerald’s eyes, “after we’ve all had our say and the President makes his decisions, we need a head of the Defense Department who will thoroughly implement the President’s policies, not someone who indicates that government isn’t united in its stance, and undermines his leadership.”
“Outrageous!” shouted Fitzgerald. “I would never undermine the President’s authority.”
“That’s not the impression I get from your public statements, or from comments critical of the President from an ‘anonymous, high-placed source,’” retorted Duggard.
Fitzgerald abruptly stood up. “I won’t be talked to like that by someone who won’t stand up for the defense of the American people!”
Pandemonium erupted, with everyone trying to speak at once. The NSC had witnessed heated discussions before, but Fitzgerald’s direct accusation of the Vice President opened a new wound. Fitzgerald’s physical action of standing up, though it wasn’t aggressive, also took the animus in the debate to a new level.
Finally, the President got the Council’s attention. “Sit down, Mr. Secretary,” he said as Fitzgerald slowly sat back down. “We’re going to deal with policies, not personalities.
“First of all, we’ve got to clear the air about how we operate as a team. There’s been a lot of criticism of my administration in the press, citing unnamed ‘government sources.’ If anyone in here can’t keep their comments within these walls, they should leave,” Douthart said, looking around the table. “Secretary Fitzgerald, I have to ask you, because you’re the most critical person in the inner circle: Have you spoken to people outside this room about your concerns about administration policies?”
“No sir, Mr. President, absolutely not,” Fitzgerald said, shaking his head. “I support you 100 percent.”
Duggard and Whiteton exchanged looks across the table, knowing from their contacts in the media that Fitzgerald was lying.
But Douthart continued. “Good. I need to address some other issues that have come up in Congress and the media. One is the idea of so-called‘active’ or ‘aggressive’ defense, which everyone knows means attacking D9 first, if we get a chance. The other is reducing cooperation with foreign countries and international institutions, to focus on defense at home. We’ve discussed these issues thoroughly, and taken firm positions.
“A first strike is not in accordance with our values, since we have no indication D9 will harm us. And for crying out loud, the aliens have our address. Even if D9 came in peace, if we attack it, D10 or whatever the next craft will be called would destroy life on Earth first and ask questions later. And this is absolutely a global threat. Given the ETs’ vast potential strength, we’ve got to pool our capabilities and present a united front, even if we have to give a few concessions to other countries. Is
“This is foolish!” said Fitzgerald, his voice rising. “The fact that the ETs haven’t hurt anyone yet means nothing. Are we going to wait until they’ve killed or enslaved the American people before we allow the greatest military the world has ever seen to defend us?”
Everyone at the table realized he had just recited almost word-for-word a talking point used by the President’s opponents.
“Fact is,” said Duggard, staring into Fitzgerald’s eyes, “after we’ve all had our say and the President makes his decisions, we need a head of the Defense Department who will thoroughly implement the President’s policies, not someone who indicates that government isn’t united in its stance, and undermines his leadership.”
“Outrageous!” shouted Fitzgerald. “I would never undermine the President’s authority.”
“That’s not the impression I get from your public statements, or from comments critical of the President from an ‘anonymous, high-placed source,’” retorted Duggard.
Fitzgerald abruptly stood up. “I won’t be talked to like that by someone who won’t stand up for the defense of the American people!”
Pandemonium erupted, with everyone trying to speak at once. The NSC had witnessed heated discussions before, but Fitzgerald’s direct accusation of the Vice President opened a new wound. Fitzgerald’s physical action of standing up, though it wasn’t aggressive, also took the animus in the debate to a new level.
Finally, the President got the Council’s attention. “Sit down, Mr. Secretary,” he said as Fitzgerald slowly sat back down. “We’re going to deal with policies, not personalities.
“First of all, we’ve got to clear the air about how we operate as a team. There’s been a lot of criticism of my administration in the press, citing unnamed ‘government sources.’ If anyone in here can’t keep their comments within these walls, they should leave,” Douthart said, looking around the table. “Secretary Fitzgerald, I have to ask you, because you’re the most critical person in the inner circle: Have you spoken to people outside this room about your concerns about administration policies?”
“No sir, Mr. President, absolutely not,” Fitzgerald said, shaking his head. “I support you 100 percent.”
Duggard and Whiteton exchanged looks across the table, knowing from their contacts in the media that Fitzgerald was lying.
But Douthart continued. “Good. I need to address some other issues that have come up in Congress and the media. One is the idea of so-called‘active’ or ‘aggressive’ defense, which everyone knows means attacking D9 first, if we get a chance. The other is reducing cooperation with foreign countries and international institutions, to focus on defense at home. We’ve discussed these issues thoroughly, and taken firm positions.
“A first strike is not in accordance with our values, since we have no indication D9 will harm us. And for crying out loud, the aliens have our address. Even if D9 came in peace, if we attack it, D10 or whatever the next craft will be called would destroy life on Earth first and ask questions later. And this is absolutely a global threat. Given the ETs’ vast potential strength, we’ve got to pool our capabilities and present a united front, even if we have to give a few concessions to other countries. Is
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